Biopolymer manufacturer Meredian (Bainbridge, Georgia / USA; www.meredianpha.com) and UK-based food ingredients producer Tate & Lyle (London; www.tateandlyle.com) have achieved pilot production of Meredian’s PHA formulation process, which has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA, Washington, DC; www.fda.gov) for food contact applications – see Plasteurope.com of 11.04.2014.

The companies said the successful pilot production makes production of completely biodegradable plastics achievable on a commercial scale. The joint development, utilising the PHA process and Tate & Lyle’s fermentation experience, achieved production rates and product concentrations exceeding those required to indicate the potential for commercial production, they added.

Paul Pereira, Meredian executive chairman, said the company had reached a milestone in its effort to produce biodegradable, food contact approved plastics on a commercial scale. “This confirmation positions Meredian to have an unparalleled positive impact on the sustainability of plastics and to further expand our efforts,” he added.